Fr Philip Deane, R.I.P.

Fr Philip Deane, OFM, RIP

Philip was born in Carrikfergus in 1935 and went to Killarney in 1952, receiving the name Conall. He went on to study for a BA in Classics in UCG and on to Leuven for philosophy in 1956. He began his theology in Rome but decided to leave the Order in 1959. He spent most of the following two decades teaching in Catholic schools in West Africa. He found himself becoming more involved in pastoral activity and decided to re-enter, going to Killarney in 1979. He was solemnly professed in 1982 and ordained in Carrickfergus in 1983. He became a chaplain to Donnybrook parish while living in Broc House, moving to the Abbey in Galway in 1986 as guardian and parish priest. He moved to Rossnowlagh in 1990, to Cork in 1997 and to Multyfarnham in 1999 as vicar. Philip was stationed in Killarney in 2005. Serious health problems developed and he was moved to Cork in recent years to be near hospitals.

Philip faced his encounter with “Sister Death” in a spirit of deep faith and calm, surrounded by the fraternal support of the friars and the constant care of his nephews and nieces who were particularly close to their uncle. Some weeks before his death he went to Marymount Hospice in Curraheen, Cork city. Philip was born into eternal life on Tuesday 10 July.

May our brother rest in peace in the peace of Christ whom he served so faithfully.